Chicago Cubs survive slugfest against Dodgers, win third straight

The Chicago Cubs’ Cole Hamels finally showed he was human, allowing three runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The offense responded, while the bullpen almost didn’t.

The Chicago Cubs saw the Los Angeles Dodgers come in winners of seven of their last eight games. Two games in, the Cubs have won the first two, and their third straight overall, moving into a tie with the Pittsburgh Pirates for second place. Just like we said when we were struggling, there’s a lot of games left to play. But this is a great place to be after what that first week and a half played out like.

The Cubs’ Cole Hamels finally showed he was mortal, allowing three runs on three hits in 5 1/3 innings. It wasn’t a terrible showing, but when you aren’t giving up any runs for two-straight games? Three looks bad. But as a member of the Cubs pitching staff, you know the offense can get you back into the game. And that’s what the Cubs did.

The Cubs’ sixth saw them put six up on the board, as Javier Baez tied the game with a three-run home run followed later in the inning by a three-run oppo taco for Jason Heyward. I’ve had my doubts if Heyward would be able to continue this fantastic start. But he continues to hit the ball to all fields, and I think we can expect more of this for the rest of the season.

And what can you say about Baez? His glove, baserunning and bat have all been on display in these first two games against the Dodgers. He must love playing them. In 2016, he shared NLCS MVP honors with Jon Lester. He didn’t follow with a robust World Series, but he helped us get there. And how can you not love this? If you’re not the Dodgers, I mean.

Anthony Rizzo knocked in Kris Bryant with an RBI double in the seventh, but who cared? We were up 7-3. What could go wrong? Enter the bullpen.

Last season, Steve Cishek was one of the most reliable, and most called on in the Cubs pen. That’s been the case this season, but the results haven’t been the same. Cishek walked one, gave up three hits, including a three-run bomb to Alex Verdugo who came into pinch-hit in the sixth inning.

That RBI double from Rizzo was suddenly that much more critical. I feel like I’ve seen that before. People remember one hit, but it was another that made the difference. If you don’t know the answer, think Miguel Montero. You’ll get it.

Pedro Strop was called on again to close it out, and this time he got the job done without any drama. For a guy that’s been one of the greatest relievers (mostly a setup man) in Cubs history, he’s handling the role of closer well. And with Brandon Morrow shut down indefinitely, it might be his job on a more permanent basis.

The Dodgers are still thought to be one of the top contenders in the National League. The Chicago Cubs were to start the year, but many have backed off of that prediction. Some have even begun to favor the Baseball Prospectus predictions. Worst case, the Cubs will take the series. Jon Lester looks to return from the IL tomorrow, so let’s call it a sweep and move to the next series.